Stellantis is overhauling the Jeep Grand Wagoneer lineup under a transformation plan

DETROIT — Jeep is overhauling its upscale Grand Wagoneer lineup for 2026 as part of a years-long transformation plan for the quintessential American SUV brand.

Changes include updating the exterior design, introducing a new range-extending powertrain and creating a simplified and less expensive model range, all under the “Grand Wagoneer” name. Jeep will also eliminate the standalone “Wagoneer” nameplate.

“This represents an important moment in improving our flagship SUVs to reach a broader audience,” Jeep CEO Bob Bruderdorff said during a media event.

Since their launch in 2021, the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer have not lived up to expectations. Initial production of the vehicles was riddled with problems and dual plates for vehicles with the same appearance confused consumers.

The starting price for these vehicles could also reach $111,000 — unexplored territory for the brand known for its rugged SUVs — and featured a range of tiered trim levels that complicated ordering.

“We’ve confused our buyers. We’ve confused our dealers,” Bruderdorf said. “I’m here to tell you that we got the message. We’re working to fix it.”

The 2026 Grand Wagoneer will start at just under $65,000, including mandatory destination fees. That’s similar to where the Wagoneer currently starts, but Jeep said it includes additional features and is more in line with competitors’ pricing.

“I’m here to win,” Broderdorf said. “I want to get out there very, very quickly and see what we can do to gain some share and continue to grow the brand…that was the mission for me.”

Jeep, owned by the French-Italian-American automaker StellantisIt said it expects the Grand Wagoneer to be the first SUV equipped with plug-in technology known as a range extender, or EREV. It can operate as a zero-emission electric vehicle until its battery dies, and an on-board generator — powered by a 27-gallon, 3.6-liter V6 engine — kicks in to power the vehicle.

Stellantis’ Ram Trucks brand was expected to be the first to launch an EREV model, but after several delays and the brand undertaking its own transformation plan, the Jeep model is expected to be the first EREV model available starting next year.

Jeep is one of the most important Stellantis14 brands — if not the most important in North America. The revamped Grand Wagoneer is the second of four major product announcements that began this summer with the reveal of the new Jeep Cherokee sport utility vehicle (SUV).

The turnaround plan also included reworking prices for Jeep’s four-wheel drive vehicles, which in recent years had inflated above market standards, and re-engaging its isolated dealer network amid a shortage of new products and declining sales.

So far, Jeep sales in the United States are trending in the right direction. The brand is on track for its first year-on-year sales increase since 2018, when it recorded an all-time high of more than 973,000 vehicles. That compares to 587,725 units sold last year, a 40% decline from Jeep’s peak sales.

“Honestly, my only interest is growing this brand and doing it in a very fun, historic Jeep way,” said Bruderdorf, who succeeded current Stellantis CEO Antonio Velosa at the helm of Jeep in February.